STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING:
DATE: Monday July 27th
TIME: 6:30 pm (EST)
AGENDA:
Christine:
Busy week – thank you everyone for all your work.
Chris has stepped down as our rep for the African program – we need a new rep (Ghana? Since that program is in dire need).
Introduce our regional reps – Mike from BC and Ruth from Manitoba and Tammy from Alberta
Government Liaison Committee:
1. Update
Ellen:
Sent out invitation to all chairs and co-chairs. 2 spokespeople from the Gov. Liason Committee to present our agenda.
Minister Matthews will start the meeting with a statement and then we can present our agenda.
We shouldn’t be expecting any specific information on the future of IA at this time – but rather an opportunity to reiterate our questions directly to the minister.
Christine will start the meeting off, then Ellen will present our questions to the minister. There will be time at the end of the meeting (OPEN) for everyone else to ask questions.
REMINDER: This relationship is critical. Try to keep our emotions in check.
Ruth:
Supports what we are aiming to do/presenting.
Mike:
Concerned about what is being presented in the media.
2. Set objectives for meeting with Minister Deb Matthews on Tuesday
Ellen:
Specific follow up questions to Friday’s meeting:
Interprovincial phone call – How did it go and what was resolved?
What is happening on a Federal Level – other than Visas? Foreign Affairs/International Trade?
Recognizing the ministry can’t make concrete commitments until BDO presents its plan – what are the options being considered?
All families be able to complete their adoptions – Can the ministry expedite a licence and/or act as a director for the interim until IA is restructured?
Ecuador – Has the ministry made any contact with Dr.Pe_________?
Aasif:
Do we have answers to the St.Ann’s issue? NO
Did they commit on when they would provide answers to the questions we left behind? NO CONCRETE TIMELINE
Can you update us on the meeting on Friday?
Ellen:
The meeting went as we expected – political with no real concrete answers.
Basically, we put our concerns forward.
Hopefully the minister will provide us with some additional information but don’t expect too much.
Lianne:
We need to make up for the misstep in the media with remarks to Minister Matthews.
Ellen:
That has been dealt with and reinforces the importance of our relationship with the ministry.
3. Identify Participants
All chairs and co-chairs? Kevin – NO
Meet at the 900 Bay street at 4pm to do interviews before we go into the meeting at 5pm.
4. Strategy re: Federal Government
5. Questions:
Tammy:
What questions should we be asking our provincial governments?
Ellen:
Push from an accountability aspect. Inter-jurisdictional confusion.
David:
Spoke to Paris today. Felt she presented a “veiled threat”. They are unhappy with our media scrum following the meeting on Friday.
Ellen:
Again, the relationship with the ministry is vital – must be cautious about the language we are using when talking to the media.
Christine:
Having said that, the Globe’s article had Minister Matthews trying to claim recognition for things the Federal government has done on our behalf.
David:
If they gave us something concrete from tomorrow’s meeting then we could present that to the media.
Rob:
Spoke with Deb Matthews today – the heat is on. She is feeling pressure from all sides. Perhaps we should present a statement to the media that has been given to the ministry in advance.
Ellen:
Maybe two statements ready to chose between depending on how the meeting goes. Beyond that, anyone else who speaks to the press needs to be guarded with regards to our impressions of the meeting.
David:
Keeping it personal to our story is the best way to deflect difficult questions. 5pm meeting time is intentional to try to keep media away. Allowing media to do interviews going into the meeting is going to be the answer to this problem.
Angelina Jolie’s manager just called him – asking what she can do to help. This is something we need to discuss.
Trustee Liaison Committee:
1. Update
Lianne:
Sent out a statement asking all families to submit a proof of claim – on time and accurately.
Next statement being sent out will suggest that families vote “no” to media presence in the meeting on Thursday. Media coverage outside the meeting is welcomed but since the meeting itself is going to reveal a lot of the scandal – we think it is in our best interest to keep the media out for this part.
We want all families to feel free to present any questions they have at this meeting.
A statement will be sent out on Wednesday with any FIA suggestions to voting and our recommendations for inspectors – they will also bring copies for those from out of province who won’t have access to email on Wednesday.
Ruth:
Can out of province families be inspectors?
Lianne:
Yes, only risk having to be there in person if all inspectors don’t agree to tele-conference.
People with financial backgrounds would be ideal for the role of inspectors (crunching numbers, business plan backgrounds, reviewing plans) and will be voted on at the meeting on Thursday. We need the best candidates to step forward.
Inspectors will be nominated at the meeting.
How long will the meeting be? All day probably.
How long does the inspector role last for? Perhaps a year or more. Creditors meetings, directing the trustee, overseeing the trustee, etc.
Ruth:
Can we put a call out on Yahoo with a list of qualifications of an inspector and ask possible candidates to come forward.
Lianne:
Sure – we’ll send it to Priscilla and she can get it out tonight or tomorrow morning.
Christine:
Can you put out a statement letting everyone know that Thursday is their opportunity to ask all their questions!
Lianne:
Sure – she’ll check with BDO to make sure this is how their agenda is going to be laid out and then post this information.
Ellen:
Yahoo site information was unclear with regards to the BDO claim form – is amount A and B different?
Lianne:
No, the same.
David:
It seems as though the “trust” fund was never set up at all.
Ellen:
After speaking to a board of director member today – it would seem as though the trust fund money was being used for operational expenses – that’s why they claimed bankruptcy to freeze those monies so no more were used for operating expenses/
2. Action Plan
Christine:
Calgary press got hold of the initial copy of the action plan – we are tabling that proposal as not everyone has had a chance to vote on it.
External Communications:
Up1. Update
David:
Feels we are running out of media interest after this week of meetings.
Don’t want to fabricate interest as it can be “campy”
Want to redirect the media as their natural path will be to the scandal part of the story – criminal and fraud charges.
Rob:
We can’t comment on the criminal/fraud part of the story – need to use those opportunities to talk about our stories.
Christine:
Keep this problem in our minds and we’ll revisit it next week.
2. Key Message re: Fraud Allegations and Possible Charges
Internal Communications:
1. Update (Website, Newsletter, Committee Members)
Priscilla:
Feels some of the panic is subsiding on the Yahoo and Facebook groups.
Appreciates the assistance in answering some of the questions on those groups.
Trying to divide up some of the work between more people as Kevin and she are bearing the brunt of the load.
Will send out the minutes from Friday’s meeting tomorrow morning – sorry she forgot to today.
Kevin:
Still working with Extreme Media for our website – getting the website changes and updates integrated.
Also – a link to Tammy’s blog.
Tammy:
The blog could be a tool for more media coverage – personal stories.
Priscilla:
Each media tool will carry a different stream of information: Blog=personal stories, Website=information, etc.
Ruth:
Families coming home with their children will be great for media interest.
2. Regional Communications
Tammy:
Action Plan? With regards to the “war chest” comment in media…
Priscilla/Christine:
Action plan is off the table at this time because of that.
Tammy:
Need to let families know what the FIA objective is as we are acting as their voice and they don’t know what we’re saying.
Lianne:
Agrees.
Rob:
That will be done immediately.
Lianne:
We can’t make decisions with regards to the bankruptcy – these decisions will all be put to votes.
Christine:
We’ll include this information as well.
Other:
1: re: Board of Directors contacting families:
Tammy:
Spoke to Allan Brown (IA board of directors) today – very willing to help us out and wanting to do whatever he can to assist.
Rob:
Cautioning us with regards to communication with Board Members as they will most likely be held accountable for this situation and we want to distance ourselves from all that mess. Director Liability Act
David:
Especially since Sue is saying the board was responsible for the mishandling of the money.
Aasif:
Do we need to caution all families on this issue?
Christine:
Feels like we need to think about this more before making a decision.
Lianne:
Do we know what Allan Brown’s connection to IA was before he became a board member?
Tammy:
Rick asked him to sit on the board
Rob:
He doesn’t doubt this man’s integrity – but feels like we need to be cautious as there are liability issues.
RESOLUTION: We’ll do damage control if this becomes an issue.
Lianne:
Socialize after the BDO meeting on Thursday?
Definitely – Del Dante’s
CONCLUSION:
Christine:
When should we meet again?
Tuesday August 5th – 630pm Conference Call
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
FIA Steering Committee Meeting Minutes - Friday July 24, 2009
*Here are the meeting minutes from FIA’s meeting with the Ontario Ministry of Child and Youth Services. The purpose of this meeting was to share some of our concerns and ask a few technical questions before the meeting with Deb Matthews on Tuesday, July 28.*
FIA Meeting with Ministry of Children & Youth Services
July 24th, 2009 – 1pm
In attendance:
Paris
Sally McGowan – Director of Client Services
Gerrard Pezzot – Client Services
FIA representatives – Christine, Ellen, David, Denise, Karyn (minutes)
Sally McGowan:
More information on where things are at both with Imagine and with the solution. How the ministry is supporting the trustee. They understand how difficult this is for us and for all the families.
Christine:
Introduction of the steering committee and what we are.
Background information on why we have chosen international adoption – the importance of this situation, lives of vulnerable children are at stake.
Read our statement: Asking that all our families are able to complete their adoptions. An Ontario licensed agency should be a safe agency. We are asking for the ministry’s solution to this problem.
Ellen:
Presentation of agenda/questions. Not exhaustive but representational of the questions out there.
We are not experts in this – we are looking to the ministry for guidance.
Sally:
The ministry’s goal is to work on a plan that the trustee has. Their objective is an attempt to facilitate/implement a plan that has the least disruption to families. She cannot promise that this will look the same for all families.
She can’t guarantee anything.
Ethiopian government accreditation: Ethiopia must accredit agencies here in Ontario. The ministry doesn’t play a role in that. Trying to get information around this accreditation – they understand there is a moratorium on any new accreditation by the Ethiopian government. This will be critical to the development of a plan going forward.
The government is expediting visas and the BDO rep in Ethiopia is assisting those referred families and families awaiting court dates.
They can’t commit to all families having their adoptions completed.
People have come forward offering their services as a licensing route.
Can the ministry act as our licensee?
IA is still licensed. There is no precedent for ministry to act as our licensee but she is willing to take that suggestion as an option. Must see where the licensee sits before they investigate that.
MOWA - Is someone managing that relationship so they don’t pull the license?
Not a provincial matter – federal government has jurisdiction – CIC?
Are you considering the relationship beyond the referred children?
Absolutely. They understand the situations of all files – HRSDC is assisting them in this. Mr.Giesberg (spelling? )is also assisting in this area.
BDO is considering proposals? Why are we submitting proposals to BDO and not the ministry?
BDO is the licensee so they manage the day to day operations of the agency but are also thinking about the future of the agency. The ministry will receive any information we offer but they don’t guarantee anything.
St. Anne’s – What is the government doing to help these families?
Trying to gain an understanding of the relations between all the branches. This is a priority for them at this time and they are working on it. This is a full time job for them right now.
Ecuador/Dr.Pelassios?
The government is aware of all the programs. Seeking clarity in all these countries – Ghana, Ecuador, Ethiopia, etc. – and the answers will be included in the plan that BDO puts forth.
What should we be asking the government?
We as FIA don’t have access to the information we need – ie. Client lists/ accurate numbers and where they are in the process. Can we get that information?
The ministry has started compiling that information but don’t have anything conclusive. It’s a moving target as they don’t have conclusive numbers. They will give that information when they have it.
Action plan. What is the timeline for this to be presented to us?
The ministry believes it will be soon. Trustee is working on it and will present that to the ministry. The meeting on the 30th will be BDO speaking about the bankruptcy – not about an action plan. This is the legal responsibility of the trustee. Only after that is done will a future plan be presented.
Christine: Why is the information so hard to come by?
Files outside Ontario are not accessed by this ministry. The bankruptcy has come as a surprise to everyone involved – everyone is playing a catch up game and educating themselves on all the information necessary to move forward.
Denise: What about families who have been matched but not referred?
40 children combined in two transition homes. Court dates imminent for some families. Matched children sent back to orphanages? Unknown. St.Ann’s: Dr.Pelassio is waiting for Sue’s direction. The ministry will take that concern away and investigate for us.
David: Where are our files?
Files are secured. BDO has files that were in IA offices. Ministry has copies of Ontario files. We should ask this at the BDO meeting.
Files are portable and can be transferred between agencies/country programs etc. Additional information may be required but home studies etc. will remain valid.
David: What are the goals of the meeting between the provincial and federal governments?
Information sharing between provinces and ministries.
Christine: Would the government offer their support of a plan by families to take IA out of bankruptcy?
At this point they are considering all options so, yes.
Ellen: Children’s Bridge approached the ministry with the offer of assistance – why were they turned down?
At the time, everything was new and hectic. The ministry knows that BDO has been approached by many organizations including Children’s Bridge and Mission of Tears. So it’s a matter of accreditation. All options are being considered by the trustee.
Ellen: Is the accreditation from Ethiopia currently at risk?
At this point, there is no reason to believe that.
Sally:
This is a very complex issue. Involves many branches working together.
Ellen: Is keeping IA intact not the easiest solution?
Ministry is educating themselves on that possibility - has asked BDO to shed light on that possibility with regards to bankruptcy law etc.
Christine: IA structure is still in place with the exception of Sue and Board of Directors. How much does the license hinge on Sue?
Gave us the licensing guidelines to review. One of the guidelines is that the director demonstrates that he/she has expertise and knowledge and understands the process of international adoption.
Would the government expedite that process for us?
Hypothetically, yes or they are exploring all options.
Do you have a licensing department?
Yes.
Can we meet with them?
Best course of action is to hear from BDO first. It wouldn’t be helpful to us at this point.
Ellen: If BDO doesn’t come forth with a plan, is it over for us? How can we assist? How can we be involved?
Have a conversation with Sue Taves about that. The ministry was let her know that they recommended us to speak to her.
Christine: Once BDO’s work is done, does the license dissolve?
There needs to be an entity to license so depending on what the plan is, the decisions on the license will vary. To comment on this before having seen a plan, is too difficult. They understand that time is of the essence, but due diligence is essential right now.
Denise: Post July 3oth – what is the timeline?
No timeline at this point to present a proposal. It is their priority but there is no date at this time.
Sally:
Impressed with how we have presented ourselves. Will post any new information on the website and has set up the hotline for us.
David:
Wrap up. Our primary concern is not IA – it is ensuring that all families are matched with a child and the children brought home. We thank you for your time and all the work you are doing on this for us. What process can we put in place to receive your responses to our questions? Ellen is the primary point of contact for the ministry.
Perhaps the minister will answer some of these questions on Tue
FIA Meeting with Ministry of Children & Youth Services
July 24th, 2009 – 1pm
In attendance:
Paris
Sally McGowan – Director of Client Services
Gerrard Pezzot – Client Services
FIA representatives – Christine, Ellen, David, Denise, Karyn (minutes)
Sally McGowan:
More information on where things are at both with Imagine and with the solution. How the ministry is supporting the trustee. They understand how difficult this is for us and for all the families.
Christine:
Introduction of the steering committee and what we are.
Background information on why we have chosen international adoption – the importance of this situation, lives of vulnerable children are at stake.
Read our statement: Asking that all our families are able to complete their adoptions. An Ontario licensed agency should be a safe agency. We are asking for the ministry’s solution to this problem.
Ellen:
Presentation of agenda/questions. Not exhaustive but representational of the questions out there.
We are not experts in this – we are looking to the ministry for guidance.
Sally:
The ministry’s goal is to work on a plan that the trustee has. Their objective is an attempt to facilitate/implement a plan that has the least disruption to families. She cannot promise that this will look the same for all families.
She can’t guarantee anything.
Ethiopian government accreditation: Ethiopia must accredit agencies here in Ontario. The ministry doesn’t play a role in that. Trying to get information around this accreditation – they understand there is a moratorium on any new accreditation by the Ethiopian government. This will be critical to the development of a plan going forward.
The government is expediting visas and the BDO rep in Ethiopia is assisting those referred families and families awaiting court dates.
They can’t commit to all families having their adoptions completed.
People have come forward offering their services as a licensing route.
Can the ministry act as our licensee?
IA is still licensed. There is no precedent for ministry to act as our licensee but she is willing to take that suggestion as an option. Must see where the licensee sits before they investigate that.
MOWA - Is someone managing that relationship so they don’t pull the license?
Not a provincial matter – federal government has jurisdiction – CIC?
Are you considering the relationship beyond the referred children?
Absolutely. They understand the situations of all files – HRSDC is assisting them in this. Mr.Giesberg (spelling? )is also assisting in this area.
BDO is considering proposals? Why are we submitting proposals to BDO and not the ministry?
BDO is the licensee so they manage the day to day operations of the agency but are also thinking about the future of the agency. The ministry will receive any information we offer but they don’t guarantee anything.
St. Anne’s – What is the government doing to help these families?
Trying to gain an understanding of the relations between all the branches. This is a priority for them at this time and they are working on it. This is a full time job for them right now.
Ecuador/Dr.Pelassios?
The government is aware of all the programs. Seeking clarity in all these countries – Ghana, Ecuador, Ethiopia, etc. – and the answers will be included in the plan that BDO puts forth.
What should we be asking the government?
We as FIA don’t have access to the information we need – ie. Client lists/ accurate numbers and where they are in the process. Can we get that information?
The ministry has started compiling that information but don’t have anything conclusive. It’s a moving target as they don’t have conclusive numbers. They will give that information when they have it.
Action plan. What is the timeline for this to be presented to us?
The ministry believes it will be soon. Trustee is working on it and will present that to the ministry. The meeting on the 30th will be BDO speaking about the bankruptcy – not about an action plan. This is the legal responsibility of the trustee. Only after that is done will a future plan be presented.
Christine: Why is the information so hard to come by?
Files outside Ontario are not accessed by this ministry. The bankruptcy has come as a surprise to everyone involved – everyone is playing a catch up game and educating themselves on all the information necessary to move forward.
Denise: What about families who have been matched but not referred?
40 children combined in two transition homes. Court dates imminent for some families. Matched children sent back to orphanages? Unknown. St.Ann’s: Dr.Pelassio is waiting for Sue’s direction. The ministry will take that concern away and investigate for us.
David: Where are our files?
Files are secured. BDO has files that were in IA offices. Ministry has copies of Ontario files. We should ask this at the BDO meeting.
Files are portable and can be transferred between agencies/country programs etc. Additional information may be required but home studies etc. will remain valid.
David: What are the goals of the meeting between the provincial and federal governments?
Information sharing between provinces and ministries.
Christine: Would the government offer their support of a plan by families to take IA out of bankruptcy?
At this point they are considering all options so, yes.
Ellen: Children’s Bridge approached the ministry with the offer of assistance – why were they turned down?
At the time, everything was new and hectic. The ministry knows that BDO has been approached by many organizations including Children’s Bridge and Mission of Tears. So it’s a matter of accreditation. All options are being considered by the trustee.
Ellen: Is the accreditation from Ethiopia currently at risk?
At this point, there is no reason to believe that.
Sally:
This is a very complex issue. Involves many branches working together.
Ellen: Is keeping IA intact not the easiest solution?
Ministry is educating themselves on that possibility - has asked BDO to shed light on that possibility with regards to bankruptcy law etc.
Christine: IA structure is still in place with the exception of Sue and Board of Directors. How much does the license hinge on Sue?
Gave us the licensing guidelines to review. One of the guidelines is that the director demonstrates that he/she has expertise and knowledge and understands the process of international adoption.
Would the government expedite that process for us?
Hypothetically, yes or they are exploring all options.
Do you have a licensing department?
Yes.
Can we meet with them?
Best course of action is to hear from BDO first. It wouldn’t be helpful to us at this point.
Ellen: If BDO doesn’t come forth with a plan, is it over for us? How can we assist? How can we be involved?
Have a conversation with Sue Taves about that. The ministry was let her know that they recommended us to speak to her.
Christine: Once BDO’s work is done, does the license dissolve?
There needs to be an entity to license so depending on what the plan is, the decisions on the license will vary. To comment on this before having seen a plan, is too difficult. They understand that time is of the essence, but due diligence is essential right now.
Denise: Post July 3oth – what is the timeline?
No timeline at this point to present a proposal. It is their priority but there is no date at this time.
Sally:
Impressed with how we have presented ourselves. Will post any new information on the website and has set up the hotline for us.
David:
Wrap up. Our primary concern is not IA – it is ensuring that all families are matched with a child and the children brought home. We thank you for your time and all the work you are doing on this for us. What process can we put in place to receive your responses to our questions? Ellen is the primary point of contact for the ministry.
Perhaps the minister will answer some of these questions on Tue
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
FIA Press Statement following meeting with Minister Deb Matthews
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(TORONTO) July 28-- The following statement was delivered by Families of Imagine
Adoption after their meeting with Minister of Children and Youth Services, Deb
Matthews this evening.
JULY 28TH, 2009
PRESS STATEMENT FOLLOWING MEETING WITH MINISTER DEB MATTHEWS
I want to begin by expressing our appreciation to Minister Deb Matthews for
meeting with us today and for all the work she and her Ministry have done to
assist us during this crisis. We fully appreciate that we are dealing with an
unprecedented situation that presents challenges on many fronts. We are
encouraged to see that cooperation between Minister Matthews's office, the
Trustee in Bankruptcy, Minister Kenney's office and the generous donation by
Yamana Gold, has secured the safety and well-being of the children in the
transition home in Ethiopia. We are also very pleased with Minister Kenney's
efforts to expedite the visas that have allowed the first post-bankruptcy
children to return to Canada with their families.
As important as these accomplishments have been, they only represent the tip of
the iceberg of pressing challenges resulting from the bankruptcy of Imagine.
While the response to the situation in the transition home in Ethiopia has been
swift and successful, we have grave concerns about the well-being of the
children that were residing in the-now-closed Hands of Mercy orphanage in Ghana.
We are also frustrated by the lack of direction provided to the families of
Saint Anne's Adoption Centre who have been left with neither staff or
infrastructure via which to complete their adoptions, nor a trustee to act on
their behalf.
While we fully understand that securing the safety of the children under Imagine
Adoption's care was and continues to be of the utmost importance, we feel
strongly that an equally determined and concerted effort must now be directed
towards finding a solution that will ensure that ALL families who signed a
retainer agreement with Imagine are able to complete their adoptions.
As representatives of the Families of Imagine Adoption we hoped that our meeting
with Minister Matthews today would result in a political commitment to ensure
that all families registered with Imagine are able to see their adoptions
through to completion. We were encouraged to hear that the minister will "bend
over backwards" to help our families to complete our adoption process.
Due to the unprecedented nature of this crisis and also its potential
ramifications for the credibility of the ontario government's licensing
authorities both here in canada and abroad, a viable solution will likely
necessitate that the ministry of child and youth services look beyond the scope
of its normal responsibilities and procedures.
We did not ask for a final solution with the goal of leaving the meeting with
false hopes, but rather to enable us to focus our collective efforts towards the
most productive and successful end. In the space of two weeks the Families of
Imagine Adoption have been able to organize into a unified representative body
with a wide range of skills, resources and public support. Indeed, we have been
inspired and bolstered, not only by the outpouring of sympathy we have received
from across Canada, but also by the widespread public outrage at the regulatory
shortcomings that resulted in this tragic breach of trust. It is our intention
to focus our energies and resources to work collaboratively with Minister
Matthew's office, the trustee, and the federal government, to ensure that a
solution is identified and implemented that will allow all those affected to
fulfill their hard-fought efforts to create and complete their families.
PRESS CONTACT:
INGRID PHANEUF (416) 710-0966
& DAVID COTTER (519) 502-5818
(TORONTO) July 28-- The following statement was delivered by Families of Imagine
Adoption after their meeting with Minister of Children and Youth Services, Deb
Matthews this evening.
JULY 28TH, 2009
PRESS STATEMENT FOLLOWING MEETING WITH MINISTER DEB MATTHEWS
I want to begin by expressing our appreciation to Minister Deb Matthews for
meeting with us today and for all the work she and her Ministry have done to
assist us during this crisis. We fully appreciate that we are dealing with an
unprecedented situation that presents challenges on many fronts. We are
encouraged to see that cooperation between Minister Matthews's office, the
Trustee in Bankruptcy, Minister Kenney's office and the generous donation by
Yamana Gold, has secured the safety and well-being of the children in the
transition home in Ethiopia. We are also very pleased with Minister Kenney's
efforts to expedite the visas that have allowed the first post-bankruptcy
children to return to Canada with their families.
As important as these accomplishments have been, they only represent the tip of
the iceberg of pressing challenges resulting from the bankruptcy of Imagine.
While the response to the situation in the transition home in Ethiopia has been
swift and successful, we have grave concerns about the well-being of the
children that were residing in the-now-closed Hands of Mercy orphanage in Ghana.
We are also frustrated by the lack of direction provided to the families of
Saint Anne's Adoption Centre who have been left with neither staff or
infrastructure via which to complete their adoptions, nor a trustee to act on
their behalf.
While we fully understand that securing the safety of the children under Imagine
Adoption's care was and continues to be of the utmost importance, we feel
strongly that an equally determined and concerted effort must now be directed
towards finding a solution that will ensure that ALL families who signed a
retainer agreement with Imagine are able to complete their adoptions.
As representatives of the Families of Imagine Adoption we hoped that our meeting
with Minister Matthews today would result in a political commitment to ensure
that all families registered with Imagine are able to see their adoptions
through to completion. We were encouraged to hear that the minister will "bend
over backwards" to help our families to complete our adoption process.
Due to the unprecedented nature of this crisis and also its potential
ramifications for the credibility of the ontario government's licensing
authorities both here in canada and abroad, a viable solution will likely
necessitate that the ministry of child and youth services look beyond the scope
of its normal responsibilities and procedures.
We did not ask for a final solution with the goal of leaving the meeting with
false hopes, but rather to enable us to focus our collective efforts towards the
most productive and successful end. In the space of two weeks the Families of
Imagine Adoption have been able to organize into a unified representative body
with a wide range of skills, resources and public support. Indeed, we have been
inspired and bolstered, not only by the outpouring of sympathy we have received
from across Canada, but also by the widespread public outrage at the regulatory
shortcomings that resulted in this tragic breach of trust. It is our intention
to focus our energies and resources to work collaboratively with Minister
Matthew's office, the trustee, and the federal government, to ensure that a
solution is identified and implemented that will allow all those affected to
fulfill their hard-fought efforts to create and complete their families.
PRESS CONTACT:
INGRID PHANEUF (416) 710-0966
& DAVID COTTER (519) 502-5818
creditor's meeting agenda
Please note BDO's Creditor's meeting agenda posted on their website
http://www.bdo.ca/extranets/imagineadoption/docs/Creditor%20Meeting%20-%20Agenda%20-%20July-28-2009.PDF
http://www.bdo.ca/extranets/imagineadoption/docs/Creditor%20Meeting%20-%20Agenda%20-%20July-28-2009.PDF
NEWS RELEASE ONTARIO HELPING FAMILIES SEEKING TO ADOPT
NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO HELPING FAMILIES SEEKING TO ADOPT
McGuinty Government Taking Action After Adoption Agency Collapses
NEWS
July 28, 2009 -- Ontario is taking clear action to help families impacted by the recent collapse of Imagine Adoption/Kids Link.
Earlier today, Minister of Children and Youth Services Deb Matthews met with families affected by the recent collapse of the agency. During the meeting, Matthews indicated that the province would:
* Act quickly to consider any licensing requests should a reconstituted agency emerge from bankruptcy, while protecting the safety of kids
* Ensure home studies – evaluations of potential adoptive parents by agencies – conducted by Imagine Adoption/Kids Link will be transferable to other adoption agencies.
* Consider ways in which the international adoption system can be strengthened, as the facts surrounding this situation emerge.
Ontario is also working with the federal government to ensure that visas are expedited for children whose adoptions have been completed so they can make it home to their adoptive families in Canada.
The province will continue to work with the bankruptcy trustee BDO Dunwoody to explore all possible options to assist families at all stages of the adoption process, once the status of the Adoption/Kids Link is determined through the bankruptcy process.
QUOTES
“It’s heart-breaking when your hopes and dreams of starting a family are jeopardized. Adopting a child from another country is already a lengthy and emotional process. I want these families to know we’re doing everything we can to help them.” - Deb Matthews, Minister of Children and Youth Services
QUICK FACTS
* Since the bankruptcy, at least nine Ethiopian children have received their visas and are travelling or have arrived in Canada.
* An estimated 36 Ethiopian children have already been matched with Canadian parents and are being cared for in a transition home in Ethiopia.
* Ontario is working with the federal government to expedite visas for those children whose adoptions have already been completed.
LEARN MORE
* For a status update from the bankruptcy trustee BDO Dunwoody, go to http://www.bdo.ca/extranets/imagineadoption/
* Find out more about Ontario’s adoption system
CONTACTS
* Kevin Spafford, Minister’s Office, 416-212-7159
* Ryan Rigby, Ministry of Children and Youth Services ,
ONTARIO HELPING FAMILIES SEEKING TO ADOPT
McGuinty Government Taking Action After Adoption Agency Collapses
NEWS
July 28, 2009 -- Ontario is taking clear action to help families impacted by the recent collapse of Imagine Adoption/Kids Link.
Earlier today, Minister of Children and Youth Services Deb Matthews met with families affected by the recent collapse of the agency. During the meeting, Matthews indicated that the province would:
* Act quickly to consider any licensing requests should a reconstituted agency emerge from bankruptcy, while protecting the safety of kids
* Ensure home studies – evaluations of potential adoptive parents by agencies – conducted by Imagine Adoption/Kids Link will be transferable to other adoption agencies.
* Consider ways in which the international adoption system can be strengthened, as the facts surrounding this situation emerge.
Ontario is also working with the federal government to ensure that visas are expedited for children whose adoptions have been completed so they can make it home to their adoptive families in Canada.
The province will continue to work with the bankruptcy trustee BDO Dunwoody to explore all possible options to assist families at all stages of the adoption process, once the status of the Adoption/Kids Link is determined through the bankruptcy process.
QUOTES
“It’s heart-breaking when your hopes and dreams of starting a family are jeopardized. Adopting a child from another country is already a lengthy and emotional process. I want these families to know we’re doing everything we can to help them.” - Deb Matthews, Minister of Children and Youth Services
QUICK FACTS
* Since the bankruptcy, at least nine Ethiopian children have received their visas and are travelling or have arrived in Canada.
* An estimated 36 Ethiopian children have already been matched with Canadian parents and are being cared for in a transition home in Ethiopia.
* Ontario is working with the federal government to expedite visas for those children whose adoptions have already been completed.
LEARN MORE
* For a status update from the bankruptcy trustee BDO Dunwoody, go to http://www.bdo.ca/extranets/imagineadoption/
* Find out more about Ontario’s adoption system
CONTACTS
* Kevin Spafford, Minister’s Office, 416-212-7159
* Ryan Rigby, Ministry of Children and Youth Services ,
IAFA meeting - Leduc, AB Saturday, August 1, 2009
IAFA wants to follow-up with the families affected by the Imagine situation in the Edmonton area. They wanted to hold a session, similar to the meeting held last week in Calgary for families in that area. We have been able to arrange a location for the meeting.
9:30 am Saturday, August 1, 2009
Leduc Fellowship Church
4401 Rollyview Road
Leduc Alberta
9:30 am Saturday, August 1, 2009
Leduc Fellowship Church
4401 Rollyview Road
Leduc Alberta
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Importance of completing Proof of Claim Form – Message from FIA
Over the past many days, the FIA has noticed postings in regards to the pros and cons of filing a Proof of Claim and what it means to the future viability of Imagine Adoption.
We as a committee understand the thoughts but do strongly suggest that each and every family complete the forms and complete them in 100% honesty.
For all parties (Trustee’s, Ministry, etc.) involved to complete their duties, they need factual and accurate information so they can analyze the current position of Imagine Adoption.
This of course is what we are referring to as the starting point, as we’re all committed to a viable Action Plan to bring Imagine Adoption out of bankruptcy.
Also, we feel it is important to point out that only families that have submitted a Proof of Claim have rights when it comes to the voting on any proposals that are presented by BDO.
If you would like your voice heard, it is important that the forms are submitted.
Respectfully,
FIA Steering Committee and FIA Trustee Liaison Committee
We as a committee understand the thoughts but do strongly suggest that each and every family complete the forms and complete them in 100% honesty.
For all parties (Trustee’s, Ministry, etc.) involved to complete their duties, they need factual and accurate information so they can analyze the current position of Imagine Adoption.
This of course is what we are referring to as the starting point, as we’re all committed to a viable Action Plan to bring Imagine Adoption out of bankruptcy.
Also, we feel it is important to point out that only families that have submitted a Proof of Claim have rights when it comes to the voting on any proposals that are presented by BDO.
If you would like your voice heard, it is important that the forms are submitted.
Respectfully,
FIA Steering Committee and FIA Trustee Liaison Committee
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